Starting in 2025, travelers will feel the effects of international travel updates, along with new domestic flight ID rules for those flying within the U.S. On the bright side, some long-awaited customer protections are finally kicking in, and a few airlines have revealed exciting cabin upgrades.
REAL ID Rules for Domestic Flights
Big changes are coming for U.S. domestic air travel on May 7, 2025, with the long-awaited rollout of REAL ID. After years of delays since the law was first introduced in 2007, the federal rule requiring REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or government-issued IDs at airport security is finally happening.
Most recently issued IDs already meet REAL ID standards, but if yours is older, double-check with your state’s issuing agency.
Each state has slightly different requirements, but you’ll likely need proof of identity, U.S. residency or citizenship, a Social Security number, and a current address. (Don’t worry—valid passports still work for both domestic and international travel.) For more details, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
New UK Entry Rules: ETA for U.S. Travelers
If you’re a U.S. citizen heading to the United Kingdom, take note: Starting January 8, 2025, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your trip.
Modeled after the U.S. ESTA system, the UK’s ETA lets officials screen visitors in advance—speeding up border checks while keeping security tight. It’s not a visa, so existing visa rules still apply.
Apply through the UK government’s official website or the ETA app. The cost? £10 (around $13), and once approved, it’s good for multiple UK entries over two years.
Europe’s Upcoming Travel Changes: ETIAS & EES
Sometime in 2025, 30 European countries will launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S.) will need this authorization to enter. Like the UK’s ETA, ETIAS isn’t a visa—it’s an extra security step for Europe’s Schengen Zone.
With an approved ETIAS, you can make multiple short trips (up to 90 days in 180 days) across participating countries. It’s valid for three years, unless your passport expires first.
This pairs with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will log biometric data (like fingerprints) at passport control for all travelers—whether they need a visa or not. The good news? No action is required from you—it’s automatic.
Better Protections for U.S. Air Travelers
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is rolling out the last parts of its “final rule”—meaning airlines can’t decide refund policies on their own anymore.
Now, refunds are mandatory for:
- Flight time changes of over 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international)
- Airport or connection changes
- Downgraded cabins
- Accessibility issues for disabled travelers
- Delayed bags or paid extras (like Wi-Fi) that don’t work
Plus, thanks to the FTC, airlines can’t sneak in hidden “junk fees” for families who want to sit together.
U.S. Passport Renewals—Now Online!
Since September 2024, U.S. citizens can renew passports online—no in-person visits needed. The system’s fully live, as long as you meet a few basics:
- Live in the U.S.
- Be 25 or older
- Have a 10-year passport (with no name, gender, or birth details changed)
Just sign up at MyTravelGov, click “Renew Your Passport”, and wait for email updates. You’ll get status alerts after a week, plus notifications when your new passport ships.
Airline Upgrades to Watch For
- American Airlines: Rolling out new Flagship Suites (business class) in 2025—expect more privacy, wireless charging, and Bluetooth.
- Frontier Airlines: Debuting a brand-new first class by late 2025.
- Delta: Upgrading cabins across its fleet, starting with Boeing 757s, then Airbus A350s.
- JetBlue: Opening new lounges at JFK (Terminal 5) in late 2025, followed by Boston Logan (Terminal C).